Monte was always a joy in my life
He will always be a joy in my heart and soul. 
I hope your next life loves  Barney Barf 🕺

Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed, and very dear.

I will never forget the brother who was always my best friend and partner in misdeeds, a coproducer of unplotted movies, an uncritical enjoyer of my stupidest jokes, a fearless traveler who joined me in whatever marginal adventures we dared. 
As I look back from a quiet and contemplative old age, I now realize that, had he not been there then, my life would have been lived mostly hollow.

I used to say that Monte wore a coat of Teflon…he could glide through any adversity and nothing would ever stick to him!
When you met Monte you knew he was special , and you knew it instantly!
He made you feel good, just being around him. He had a unique energy, an overwhelmingly positive guy , with a seemingly always happy persona! He just made things Fun,..and being able to work with him since 1994 when I met him was an honor and a blessing!
He was a pivotal person in my life, the main guy to help finally kick the door open to truly entering  the Film industry !
 To say that it is unfair that such a special  person should be taken from us at such a young age is an understatement, but I guess we all know how unfair life is and so I suppose it’s a time for acceptance and  remembrance.!  
Remembrance  of the joy and happiness that Monte brought to all of us!
 Monte…I love you brother! Happy journey,
We’ll see you down the road!
You will be truly missed!
Ira

Although Steve and I met Donna and Monte late in our lives it was truly a blessing.  We became quick friends and Steve just clicked with Monte. Nothing better than how Monte made us laugh and was just so full of joy. He cared about everyone in his life deeply. His love for Donna and his daughters was unmeasured.  I will truly have a hole in my heart. Until we see you again wonderful man. 💓🙏🏻

How rare is it to find a new, wonderful, "lifetime" friend later in life.
From the moment Nancy and I met Donna and Monte, we became "friends for life".  Monte was one of the most positive and life-loving people I had ever met and his smile, compassion and sometimes corny sense of humor became such an important part of my life.
His love for his dear Donna and their beautiful daughters and their partners was an inspiration.
The whole Swann family became part of our family, Even though we all feel a painful hole in our hearts, the Swanns will always be part of our family.
I was so blessed to have had Monte share his creative writing with me, as well as his art and his never-ending support and friendship.
I will miss him everyday and will hold onto the special memories we made to help get me through the loss I feel so deeply.


To the family and friends of Monte, 

Monte was an indominable spirit.  No matter how difficult things were for him, he was always looking on the bright side, smiling, keeping a positive attitude, and donating his spirit to our interactions and our time together. He never ever failed to ask me how I was doing when I would see him in the office, despite all he was going through. He has made an indelible mark on me and on my life. It is rare to come across people like Monte in our lives, and I will cherish his memory and I am so grateful for the impact he made on my life. 

Nick Donin 

I spent a lot of time with Monte and our assorted "Swann Bros. Film Company" in high school: Monte, Keith, Fred, Allan, Rick, Doug, et al. We learned how to make 8mm movies. We moved up to 16mm and shot a promotional trailer on a UCLA sound stage for a ridiculous sci-fi farce we were trying to sell. Monte introduced me to his eclectic record collection of bizarre retro songs. The Swann house was my home away from home for awhile. All great memories. We got in touch again through FB a few years back when Monte found a few of the movies I made and restored them, complete with dubbed in dialog. He graciously sent me DVD copies. Always a generous and constantly upbeat personality. My life is richer having known him.

I remember his great sense of humor. He will be missed.  
Sheila Moss

Monte was a grade or two older than me in High School. For those of us in high school theater, Monte and Keith were larger than life icons. I still tell Monte Swann stories, like him driving around with a rotary phone handset plugged into his dashboard, driving around as though he was talking into his "car phone".  Many others, some that can't be told.  An integral part of my teenage experience.  Wherever you go next Monte - keep 'em laughing!

Monte was one of the kindest souls I've come across in my fifty odd years on this planet.  I am forever greatful to have been able to swim in the shadow of this orca of sincerity and integrity.    If it were up to me,  I would order all Hollywood flags dropped to half mast as the industry has truly lost one of its good ones.  

Monte was a mensch, a good person, a man with integrity and honor, and most of all, a man with a huge personality and smile. He lit up a room, he could talk to anyone and make them feel special, worthy and important.  He loved his family and I could see that so clearly every time we were together.  Donna and Monte were our go-to couple, we had so much fun together and shared lots of laughs. He has left a huge void in so many lives. It’s going to take a long time to process his absence, he has left a deep hole that can never be filled. We were all rooting for you, Monte, sure you were going to be with us for many more years. You gave it a good fight. My heart is breaking every day, but we will continue to honor your life by staying close with your family and your eagerly anticipated granddaughter.  I know you’ll be watching over all of them.

Since my brother's passing, I've been struggling to find the right words. Yesterday I got some help from the poet Ellen Brenneman.
Here's her short poem titled: "His Journey's Just Begun" :

"Dont' think of him as gone away
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much."

I love you Monte...I will miss you brother!



      
  
        

Monte is more than a brother – he’s my cohort, co-conspirator, confidante – and, most important, my best friend. He is not truly gone as long as all of us remember what he brought to our lives. 

The joy, laughs and adventures in high school and beyond  were all wrapped being with Monte and our gang of young filmmakers
I have lived and cherished the eternal glow of Monte- it is a light the I will always keep shining in my heart and soul. 
Sending heartfelt love to you Donna and your family.  
Russ Glaser

Monte was one of the most charismatic, genuine, funny, intelligent, incredibly talented people I have ever known, a true gift. My life was truly blessed to have had known him. He was such a Fantastic husband and wonderful father.  My condolences to the whole Swann family.  
With Much Love ❤️ and sadness, 
Janice 

OBITUARY

Monte Swann

6 June, 1954 – 6 December, 2022

Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary

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